The Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Club-sponsored event will open its doors at 6 p.m. in the Gillett High School gymnasium with more than 600 people expected to attend. The menu will be coon, baby-back ribs, brisket, rice and sweet potatoes.

The 691-member community is known nationally for the event, which is considered a state kickoff for the political year. It’s officially a nonpolitical event, although politicians from across the state still attend.

Former Congressman Marion Berry is credited for helping bring politicians to the event as well as his traditional pre-coon supper reception.

The reception will continue this year starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Berry Farm Shop. The reception serves as a fundraiser for the Marion and Carolyn Berry Scholarship, which is awarded to a qualifying Arkansas State University student who shows an interest in public policy and public service.

“Last year we decided at the last minute to continue the tradition, and we were really amazed at the turnout,” said Mitch Berry, son of former Congressman Marion Berry. “Democrats continued to show up, and a lot of Republicans came to see what coon really tasted like.

“As you know, Dad was not able to attend last year due to his health, so I think the Republicans felt safe showing up. I hope people of all political stripes will show up for the reception this year to support this bi-partisan cause, and then go to the Coon Supper to support the community of Gillett.”

The Coon Supper initially began as a fundraiser for Gillett High School athletics. However, it became a fundraiser for college scholarships after the Gillett School District consolidated with nearby DeWitt in the 2004-2005 school year. All proceeds from the Coon Supper go toward scholarships.

The Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Club award $750 scholarships, renewable for four years, to two graduating seniors from the Gillett area. The non-profit and non-political club also strives to assist the Gillett community through summer programs, school programs, an educational endowment fund, athletic and scholastic awards, and community service.

For more information on the reception, contact Ben Noble at (501) 722-9473 or Gabe Holmstrom at (479) 409-3329. Tickets are $30 with additional sponsorship opportunities available.